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Eighth grade is a year of transition as students prepare for high school as independent learners. Using the Sean Covey book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens, students apply timeless principles to learning the skills of time management, understanding the importance of good study habits and making important decisions – all skills necessary for high school. Much time is spent in researching and choosing a high school that will effectively enhance their educational needs. Among the sources used to make this decision are: high school information night, school visitations, and teacher recommendations.
The use of technology is an integral part of Pen Ryn’s eighth grade curriculum. Students utilize online textbooks in several major subject areas. After an initial study of the Constitution, students continue to analyze the application of its ideals throughout the timeline of United States history, beginning with Reconstruction and continuing through the Civil Rights Era. The study culminates in a cross-curricular, technology based project in conjunction with the end-of-year field trip. The math curriculum focuses on individual achievement by placing students in different levels of algebra. The eighth grade Algebra 1 curriculum puts a heavy emphasis on topics such as polynomials, solving and graphing systems of equations, and functions. It also gives a brief overview of the basic concepts involved with probability and statistics. The Introduction to Algebra course includes work with probability, rational numbers, equations, and geometry. Students are able to master skills needed for Algebra 1 as well as be introduced to many concepts they will encounter in high school mathematics. The language arts curriculum supports all other disciplines with its focus on writing strategies, reading skills, vocabulary development and implementation of technology.
Physical education plays a large part in the life of the Pen Ryn student. Students have the opportunity to participate in intramural activities. Students can join the following team sports: soccer, cross-country, cheerleading, basketball, tennis, golf, and softball. Athletic participation culminates on Blue and Gold Day when eighth graders lead the student body in the friendly competition of games and races.
Leadership is a key component of our expectations for eighth graders. Throughout the year, students are engaged in physical and cognitive cooperative activities. A sense of working for and with one another is witnessed in their establishing a well run and active student council with eighth graders serving as elected officers for the entire student body.
No eighth grade experience would be complete without outreach service to the community. Eighth graders volunteer their services for a variety of charitable causes in connection with the student council. They also spearhead a community service project of their own.
An eighth grader’s career includes appropriate field trips such as an overnight cooperative challenge course in the Pocono Mountains or traveling to a city rich in history and culture. However, the highlight of an eighth grader’s Pen Ryn experience is the unique graduation ceremony. Each student becomes a class valedictorian by publicly expressing what a Pen Ryn education has meant to her/him. Invariably, the speeches reflect on Pen Ryn’s philosophy of encouraging educational excellence at each student’s potential.
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Subject
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Curriculum
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Reading
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· critique story elements (character, setting, steps in plot)
· paraphrase and discriminate themes and styles of literature
· integrate and relate bodies of literature
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Writing
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· categorize writings for a specific audience and purpose
· originate and produce bodies of writing (i.e. narrative, cause/effect)
· critique a myriad of bodies of writing
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Listening
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· summarize universal themes
· infer and discriminate information presented in literature
· individually and in groups, expand and extend themes and universal truths expressed in writing
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Speaking
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· organize dialog based on primary source
· debate and critique issues and themes presented in literature
· prepare and produce an original speech
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Introduction
To
Algebra
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· add, subtract, multiply and divide complex fractions
· measurement and geometry-parallel lines cut by a transversal, volume of 3-D prisms and cylinders, surface area of 3-D shapes, constructions, distance between points, similar triangles, congruent angles, degrees in regular polygons and Pythagorean Theorem
· mastery of ratio and proportion-scale drawings in circumference, perimeter and area. Inverse proportions, graph proportional equations (direct variation equations)
· solve linear equations in one and two variables-variables on both sides, graphing linear equations, slopes, cartesian plane and properties of equality
· data analysis-mean, median and mode. Charts and graphs, statistics and display data and probability
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Algebra
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· expressions, equations and functions
· properties of real numbers
· data analysis, best fit lines
· solve, write and graph linear equations and functions-paper and pencil, graphing calculator
· solve, write and graph linear inequalities
· exponent laws
· graphing exponential functions
· operations with polynomials
· factoring polynomials
· solving and graphing quadratic equations and functions-quadratic formula, complete the square, graphing calculator
· operations with radicals
· graphing square roots
· rational equations and functions
· solving and graphing systems of equations-quadratics and linear
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Science
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· explore principles of Ecology, with emphasis on ecosystems, populations, and biomes
· focus on the interactions of life, and recognize the effects of environmental impact over time
· explain how human traits are inherited and predict inheritance of traits through use of Punnett Squares
· utilize hands-labs and Foss Kits to explore Chemistry topics, including the structure of the atom, Periodic Table, chemical bonding and chemical reactions.
· Explore topics in Physics including motion and momentum, force and Newton’s Laws, and thermal energy
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Social Studies
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· recognize America’s democratic principles as established in the Constitution
· understand our duties and responsibilities as citizens
· debate issues based upon historical documents, speeches, songs, art
· identify the impact of the events in history on the everyday lives of citizens
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Library
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· locate, retrieve, and interpret information for classroom research projects
· conduct computer on-line research
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Spanish
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· plan family celebrations centered around food
· compare houses, furniture and electronic equipment
· identify chores around the home
· understand cultural perspectives on family home
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Art
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· one and two point perspective
· collage- Montage
· 20th century American artists
· ceramics coil pot
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Music
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· participate in a performance project, generally a fully-staged musical
· investigate the basic techniques of guitar playing
· study and identify characteristics of major musical eras: Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Modern
· create a melody on the staff and formulate lyrics to fit
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Physical Education
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· in a variety of passing games, use kicking, striking, throwing to optimally pass the ball for a scoring opportunity
· anticipate an opponents movements on offense and counteract them defensively
· anticipate an opponents movements on defense and counteract them offensively
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Computers
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· record a video journal throughout the year in language arts class
· use technology appropriately, effectively, and productively, as needed, in every class.
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